I am a children’s book author and emerging illustrator. When I was growing up I dreamed of becoming a forensic investigator, marine biologist, doctor, veterinarian and ballerina. I am a proud (of course) first-generation Italian American women. I grew up in a suburb on the outskirts of Chicago. I was raised by my parents alongside my sister Anna, my most favorite person ever to live. In so many ways, I have been desolate without her. To keep my mind and heart busy, all I strive for, both personally and professionally, is in Anna’s memory. I miss her every day, literally almost all day. My unrelenting pain from her loss gives me endless energy to work and strive towards accomplishments in my life. My work as a clinical psychologist has its origin from the neurologic, cognitive and emotional impairments she experienced. My efforts as a nurse practitioner are rooted in the medical and physical losses she suffered. My love as a fictional writer arises from the imaginative whimsical adventures her and I journeyed as children. The everlasting dying love I have for animals amends a need for companionship and comfort her absence has left within me. I have taken the many pieces of my broken sister-heart, to be in need of a heart that mends, to stand in hope for healing and continue to discover life without her.

My family is central to my life. Arguably the most important aspect of the Italian culture is family. I grew up around an abundance of food, large gatherings, early Sunday dinners, all a must. Meals were never calm, a lot of noise, tons of laughs, talking over one another with a heated debate on the horizon. Beyond the talking, amid the gravy and meatballs, a gallon of red, and one small cheeky dog begging patiently for table scraps, life happens around the table.

As long as I can remember, I’ve been a lover of suspense and fiction. I’ ve made up stories in my head as a young girl, often falling asleep at night conjuring up story lines where animals behaved like people as they traveled to far away lands. I assumed this was all normal and everyone else did it, too, until I began getting weird looks when I talked about my thoughts. It was not until adulthood when I decided to try putting my ideas of fantastical adventures full of magic and heart down on paper.

As a hybrid professional, I integrate my multiple professional identities and work at the intersection. I use my skills, knowledge, experience, and background in multiple domains and disciplines, possesses a unique combination of qualities as a professional. I consider myself one of the luckiest person in the world to be involved in several careers that I love. But more important than my career is my family—those I have lost, and those that continue to guide my life. 

Thank you for visiting my website. Enjoy your stay!

With appreciation and gratitude,

Anna’s Little Sister